Baule Tribe, Côte d'Ivoire

Composition: wood, stain, layered patina/encrustation from shrine offerings
Dimensions: 13" (33.02) h x 3" (7.62 cm) w
Age: late 19th-early 20th century
Provenance: Ex. Galerie Olivier Larroque (Nimes, France); Ex. Colonial French collection, field collected before 1948, Ex private collection, France
"Remarquable statuette Baoulè de Côte d'Ivoire representant une épouse de l'au-delà (blolo la). A noter le traitement particulier de la coiffe et l'epaisse patine huileuse sombre, témoignant usage in-situ."
Beyond knowing the piece was field collected before 1948, a number of things strike a viewer or someone handling this piece. First, without a doubt, is the incredible coiffure, with finely carved dropping bulb braids, with almost a feeling a falling raindrops (or teardrops, if you are feeling sad today). The second factor is how uncommon a regional style this type of Baule figure is, one rarely seen, with lovely detail throughout the figure, top to bottom. Finally, the patina is incredibly rich, offering significant evidence of age and use with a varied surface and appropriate areas of encrustation from undergoing shrine offerings. The piece has a sweetness to it which hopefully is conveyed in the photos as well--and yes, the feet are turned slightly inward. A fine figure, carved from hardwood common to Baule figures of the early period.